ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has reached a settlement with Ramsey County prosecutors in a civil case that alleges it failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

Criminal charges accusing the archdiocese of repeatedly ignoring misconduct by a former priest are still pending.

Prosecutors say the agreement in the civil case provides a framework for better oversight of the archdiocese over the next three years. Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Tom Ring says the goal is to create an environment where no child will again be abused.

Archdiocese attorney Joe Dixon says the settlement made public in court Friday must still be approved by a bankruptcy court, but both sides pledge to begin work immediately.

The priest was convicted of molesting two boys in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin.